HR 909: Blackshear, Reverend Franklin D.; condolences

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear, who died after a long career as a Savannah educator and pastor. It recounts his life story: raised in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood, he worked as a math teacher and later a guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School for 24 years, and he served as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church for 43 years before retiring as pastor emeritus in 2024. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally expresses the House's regret at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

• Formally honors the life and memory of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• States the House's regret at his passing, as a symbolic expression rather than a change in law.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Blackshear's family.

This resolution directly names Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear's family, who will receive the official copy, and reflects on his impact on the Savannah community, including students at A. E. Beach High School and members of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church and First Jerusalem Baptist Church.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect and changes no Georgia statute. Its significance is symbolic: it places an official record of Reverend Blackshear's decades of service to Savannah's schools and churches into the House's proceedings and gives his family a formal memorial from the state legislature.

• The whereas clauses recount Blackshear's biography, including his 24 years as a guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School and 43 years as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.
• The first resolving clause has the House join in honoring his life and expressing regret at his passing.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available to his family.

1. 2025-04-02House Read and Adopted (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2025-04-02House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2025-04-02House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)Patrocinador principal

• condolence resolution
• Savannah
• education
• clergy